Daryl Gurney’s return to the Grand Slam of Darts ended in frustration on Sunday, as the Northern Irish star confronted referee Kirk Bevins immediately after crashing out of the tournament in Wolverhampton.
Gurney, competing in Group E, suffered a 5–3 defeat to Czech Republic’s Karel Sedláček — a loss that followed his opening defeat to Connor Scutt and sealed his early exit from the competition. For the first time since 2019, “Superchin” had returned to the prestigious event, only for the campaign to unravel after two straight setbacks.
Moments after missing out on qualification, Gurney marched towards match official Bevins on stage, engaging in what appeared to be a tense and animated exchange. Although the exact content of their conversation remains unknown, the optics of the clash raised eyebrows among fans watching inside the arena and at home.
Adding to the drama, the 38-year-old declined to speak to media in the aftermath, leaving the incident open to widespread speculation. Reports suggested that the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) had not yet been formally informed of the issue at the time, but the governing body is expected to review the situation.
A rare flashpoint for a seasoned competitor
Gurney, a former World Grand Prix champion and once ranked World No.4, is widely known for his competitive fire but has earned respect throughout his career for his professionalism and sportsmanship.
While frustration is nothing new in elite sport, direct confrontations with officials are rare in televised darts, where respect for referees is considered a cornerstone of the game. Should the PDC determine the incident crossed a line, potential repercussions could range from a formal warning to a fine or disciplinary review.
The incident comes during a particularly pressure-filled chapter for Gurney, who has been working to recapture the form that once made him one of the sport’s most feared competitors. A difficult return to the Grand Slam, capped by an uncharacteristic public clash, underscores the emotional weight of top-level competition.
What happens next?
As of now:
- No official statement has been released by the PDC.
- Gurney has not publicly commented on the confrontation.
- The exact reason for his disagreement with the referee remains unclear.
However, attention will likely turn to how the two-time major winner responds in the coming days. A public explanation or apology could help diffuse tension and preserve the goodwill he holds among fans and peers.
A defining moment off the oche
While the result officially goes down as a group-stage exit, the lasting takeaway from Gurney’s 2025 Grand Slam return may well be his emotional flashpoint rather than his arrows.
For a player who has delivered some of darts’ most memorable moments, this is unlikely to define his career — but it does serve as a reminder of the relentless pressure that comes with the sport’s biggest stages.
As the darts world waits for clarity, one thing is certain: Daryl Gurney’s passion remains undimmed, even on the toughest nights.
